Happy birthday.

I felt the need to check in today because it’s my biological father’s birthday. It’s been a little over four years now since I first met him, and almost eight months since he passed away. The three years and change inbetween were not enough, but folks who knew him much longer than that feel cheated by the amount of time they had with him as well. He was that kind of guy.

I couldn’t build a lifetime of memories with him, but the memories I do have are pretty great. His intelligence, his kindness, the way his breath would rise off of the gin snow-cones he called martinis. He was genuinely interested in/entertained by the various accomplishments and shenanigans of his many grandchildren. He had a great laugh–I couldn’t help but smile every time I heard it.

I love you, Dave, and I miss you. I’ll have a martini at wikiwak in your honor.